The Best Western credit cards are making a comeback with new benefits and a new issuer. Previously issued by the First National Bank of Omaha, these cards are now offered by First Bank & Trust and managed by financial technology company Mercury Financial.
Both the Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card and Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card provide rewards on Best Western stays and other purchases. In addition to that, cardholders can enjoy travel and cell phone protections, elite status, and sign-up bonuses. The bonus offer amount may vary, but you can check if you’re preapproved for the cards without affecting your credit score.
Here’s a comparison of the two cards:
– Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: Earn 10,000 to 40,000 points with qualifying spend. Get 14 points per $1 on Best Western stays and purchases and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
– Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card: Earn 20,000 to 80,000 points with qualifying spend. Get 20 points per $1 on Best Western stays and purchases, 4 points per $1 at gas stations and grocery stores, and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Cardholders of the Visa Signature® Card receive automatic Gold status, while Premium Visa Signature® Cardholders receive automatic Platinum status. Each status comes with its own set of benefits, including bonus points per stay and exclusive reservation lines.
BW values Best Western points at around 0.6 cents each. Points can be redeemed for hotel bookings, gift cards, airline miles, and more, with a minimum redemption of 5,000 points.
What changed?
Not much has changed for the no-annual-fee version of the Best Western credit card. However, the Best Western Rewards® Premium Visa Signature® Card now offers extra rewards on gas and groceries, a free anniversary night, and the opportunity to earn a second one. These enhancements make the annual fee worthwhile for cardholders.